About SWB

This blog is intended for both men and women who want more out of life.

Have you ever said to yourself, “hmmm, that looks interesting.  I’ll try that when I lose some weight and/or get in shape”.  Then all that happens is you get older.  This blog is about doing things whether you are overweight, out-of-shape, or satisfied with your physical self. The important thing is to make your life more interesting so that you continue to be interested in life.

I am 61 years old and I have been overweight since the birth of my first baby when I was 22.  I have battled my weight ever since, looking with pure jealousy at women who gave birth, then went back to the size they were, or at least close to it  But let me be clear!  THIS IS NOT A DIET BLOG.  I continue to work on my weight but I’ve come to the realization that it just might never happen and I’m no longer willing to put my life on hold.

When I hit middle age I was diagnosed with depression. OK, so exercise is good for weight and depression. Great!  The only problem is getting myself to go and do something because I didn’t want to go out of the house.  Not helpful for weight or depression.

Oh, did I mention I live in Central British Columbia?  In the winter, sunrise is at about 8:00 am and sunset about 4:00 pm  Talk about the “long dark of Moria”.  It’s also cold and snowy and icy.  Not wanting to go out of the house for 4 or 5 months is not good.

Then my friend Cheryl started to nudge me.  What do you mean you can’t?  Let’s go!  Cheryl taught me how to Alpine ski when I was 55yrs old.  I’d never been on downhill skis before. I was too fat and too old to learn!  Well now I ski, I’m not good at it, but I enjoy it and it’s a way out of the house in the winter.  This is one of many activities Cheryl has “persuaded” me to try.  

I want to be your Cheryl!  I want to nudge you into taking joy from life, big things, and small. There is so much that older people can do, if in a modified form.  I recommend talking to your doctor before taking up a new activity.  Further, I’m not denying that you could hurt yourself.  Aren’t sore knees, stiff muscles, or scraped shins worth adventure.  Just because I’m older and out of shape and can do it, doesn’t mean you can, as everybody is different.  However, you might be in better condition than me and don’t need as much modification.

I want to provide you with ideas of things to do and tips for how to get started if you’ve never done it before.  I want you to not spend your final years on the couch just because you think you can’t, just because you’ve never have tried.  Since doing more my life has been soooo much better! I’m still overweight,  still taking meds for depression, still have trouble with motivation some days,  but it’s better.  Just try something.